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Law
of order
Friday, June 04, 2010
Western
han scholar Dong Zhongshu, in his tome Chun Qiu Fan Lu, or Luxuriant Dew of the
Spring and Autumn Annals, wrote about the importance of harmony between heaven
and humans and how any deviation would violate that.
Humans
have 365 minor bones, matching the 365 days in a year, and 12 major ones,
matching the 12 months of the year. Our skin is like the earth's surface, while
our blood vessels are like the rivers, oceans and mountains.
Our
happiness is like a summer day, anger a cloudy day or autumn, joy like spring,
sorrow like winter. The body's wu zhang, or five major organs, relate to the wu
xin, or the five elements, while our limbs match the four seasons.
This
systematic wisdom handed down by the ancients means that fung shui is neither
superficial nor superstitious.
The
concept of yin and yang is also embedded in our lives. We wake up in the
morning, when the yang is predominant, and we go to sleep when the yin suffuses
the air. Women represent yin and men yang, just as the sky is yang and the earth
is yin.
Based
on this knowledge, the ancient Chinese were able to devise predictive tools to
conquer the unknown. They knew that unkind energy is often the result of a
violation of the cosmic or natural law, while kind energy flows from the natural
order of things.
Put
simply, auspicious events result when energy is flowing naturally, while
inauspicious events occur when there is a violation of the natural law or a
disruption in the interaction between humans and heaven.
That
is why the Chinese emphasize filial piety, because it means not just respect for
the elderly but also respect for mother nature and a world that gives us life
and energy.
Thought
of the week: Use every moment to think the purest thought, say the kindest word
and do the noblest deed.
True
masters
Friday, May 28, 2010
A
good fung shui practitioner should not only master the laws of topography and
gua but also adhere strictly to righteous or heavenly laws.
You
can master fung shui principles and maneuver the setting of your house to
maximize your chances of fulfilling your needs and wants (become healthier and
richer), but you violate the heavenly laws at your peril.
These
are reflected in the laws of man, which legislate against people who steal, kill
and sabotage for short-term gain or gratification, leading to pain in the long
run.
A
good fung shui master will not help people involved in illegal activities.
For
instance, a robber with a good luck pillar can ask a fung shui practitioner if
he should go ahead with his plan to rob a bank.
A
skillful master would know that the good luck pillar would probably result in
the robbery being successful.
But
he will advise the robber against the crime and instead, steer him away from
criminal to legal endeavors.
Confucius
younger brother Yian Chu Ji was a robber, but the sage transformed him.
That
is leading by example, preaching what you practice and practicing what you
preach.
Quote of the week: Be a light unto the world, and hurt it not. Seek to build, not destroy.
2012
syndrome
Friday, May 14, 2010
The
world will end in 2012. That's what movies and books are saying, the following
books in particular - The Mayan Factor: Path Beyond Technology, Maya
Cosmogenesis 2012, King of Terror 1999 and Book of Nostradamus.
Is
this a repeat of the Y2K scare or will it be a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Ask
scientists and they will tell you nothing will happen in 2012. Giant solar
storms predicted for 2012 will probably cause some interference with satellite
communications but such cycles are normal every 11 years. Again, no big deal.
But
hang on.
In
Chinese metaphysical analysis, 2012 signals an unusual event for the earth. The
heavy water element would cause three main events:
A
unprecedented flood that would lead to horrific consequences such as outbreak of
diseases.
The
structure of the earth could be badly eroded.
Dramatic
changes in the political arena, especially in Hong Kong and the mainland.
I
do not dare to predict further here.
The
unusual weather is a result of the environment or Mother Nature being exploited
or damaged.
Remember
that humans live in accordance with the four seasons within certain parameters
of comfort zones. This comfort zone would change in 2012 and beyond due to
changes in the weather.
How
you react to these changes depends on your personal fortitude. As humans can
adapt, this should not be a big problem.
Beyond
that, however, we should start thinking about loving the environment and caring
about our community more. Our passion and love for living things should not be
eroded by economic development and vested interests.
In
another translation, the volatile weather will affect the property market. So
for those who are thinking about buying, this is the time to do it. But analyze
your own luck or financial ability before making any decision.
Relax,
the world will not end in 2012 but be prepared for a rollercoaster year of
diseases and political upheaval.
Thought
of the week: Love your family, your community and, above all, your country.
Riding
the tiger
Friday, November 27, 2009
Cosmic
changes alter the flow of energy to living beings at all times. The energy can
be favorable or unfavorable depending on your date of birth and the year you are
in.
The
coming Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 4, seems to have an
auspicious ring, it being, according to the traditional Chinese cyclic
calendrical system, the Kang or Golden Tiger.
Do
not be deceived. It will be an abnormal year, especially in terms of the
weather.
The
melting of icebergs in the North Pole will escalate. There
is a danger of drought and food shortages. A devastating earthquake in the West
is indicated and road accidents are likely to increase dramatically everywhere.
Group
One: The most fortunate are those born between August 8 and November 9. They can
expect positive energy and be secure, happy and content.
Group
Two: For people born between November 10 and February 3, positive energy will
provide warmth and security.
Group
Three: Those born between February 4 and March 3 are likely to feel lethargic
all the time but have to be constantly on their guard against negative energy.
Be patient: things will get better in the autumn.
Group
Four: The effect on people born between March 4 and May 3 will not be negative.
Those who worked hard last year stand to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Group
Five: Those born between May 5 and August 7 are the worst affected because
strong fire energies fueled by wood will drain off energy and dull your
performance at work. So take a break, slow down, spend more time with the family
or go back to school or take some short courses.
Thought
for the week: What your parents dislike is not necessarily good for you.
Children
of the stars
Friday, November 20, 2009
As
I said in my earlier column, fung shui can be used to channel the kind of energy
that creates good behavior in children.
Being
a father myself, I'd like to remind parents not to put too much pressure on
their offsprings to perform well, either in their studies or behavior-wise.
Such
pressure can have a negative effect. Children are not robots. They can break
down, so keep them happy. They will find the direction most suited to them in
good time.
We
are living in Period 8 (from 2004 to 2023), so we should note that Star 1 is in
the west; Star 2 northeast; Star 3 south; Star 4 north; Star 5 southwest; Star 6
east; Star 7 southeast; Star 8 center; and Star 9 northwest.
Rebels
without a cause: Rebellious children can pose a problem to themselves, parents
and teachers. The Five Elements theory offers ways to drain off aggressive
energy and put them back on the right path.
With
Star 7, which can influence aggression levels in children under 18, holding sway
in the southeast, place blue or black fung shui items - rugs, doormats,
curtains, ornaments, sofas, chairs - in your home's southeast section to
dissipate such energies.
Farewell
to sickly childhoods: Stars 2 and 5 can combine to bring sickness, so take no
chances and institute preventive measures.
Place
metal elements such as plates, bronze coins or a music box in the correct
locations to drain off excessive earth energies that bring sickness.
Ties
that bind: Stars 1 and 9 can combine to generate loving feelings for parents and
the elderly.
Place
water elements - a cup of potable water or water plants - in Star 1 locations
and red items in Star 9 locations.
Smart
in all the right places: Every home has a spot that is best for scholarly
pursuits and parents looking for an edge should locate this Man Chong position,
which changes every year.
The
Man Chong Star 4 is found in the south this year and in the north next year.
Place four bamboo plants in a vase of water in such locations to bring forth
such energy.
Thought for the week: Make your parents anxious and you hurt only yourself.
Home
in on child needs
Friday, November 13, 2009
This
week and next I will focus on how fung shui can help children by channeling
positive energy to them.
Different
house orientations offer unique sets of fung shui stars. I can only indicate the
20-year and annual fung shui cycle of star locations since I do not know the
exact orientation of your house.
In
Period 8 (from 2004 to 2023), Star 1 is in the west, Star 2 northeast, Star 3
south and Star 4 north. For the exact position of the Flying Star over its
annual cycle, please refer to my website or book.
Star
4 governs children's concentration, especially in schoolwork. In Period 8, this
star's location is in the north sector. To determine the yearly location, please
refer to my website or book.
Like
Star 3, Star 4 is also of the element of wood, according to the Five Elements
theory.
To
generate more of such energies, you can place water plants or a cup of clean
water in the appropriate location, as water creates wood.
To
improve academic performance, you need to combine stars 1 and 4, as both need to
be strengthened to achieve the desired outcome.
Placing
water or water plants in the star positions of west and north will improve your
child'sschool work.
Star
3 governs the proactive qualities of children. To strengthen this star, you
should place a water element in the south.
Be
aware that Star 3 also governs gossip and unwanted attention. So such energies
must be properly balanced.
Star
3 also governs children's behavior, especially of those below 12. If your child
is hyperactive, this aggressive energy should be drained. Since this star is of
the wood element, according to the Five Elements theory, you need to counteract
it with fiery red fung shui items, such as a wooden horse, carpet, pink curtains
or any other red ornamentation.
Thought
of the week: Do not overlook small matters, no matter how tedious they are, and
seek your parents' consent.
Nighttime
harmony
Friday, November 06, 2009
In
bedrooms, you should emphasize yin energy more than yang because rest is the
realm of the former.
Color
plays an important role. Light blue, light green, light beige and pastels should
be your choice. Avoid dark blue, flashy red and black because they carry too
much yang energy.
The
color of the ceiling, walls and floor must be harmonized to provide a soothing
environment. Good ventilation is also important.
Avoid
having anything like a crossbeam above your head when you are in your regular
sleeping position and avoid sleeping directly under a window, as it will cause
headaches. Our subconscious mind is constantly working during the nights to keep
us at our best. Exercise equipment, plants, computers, televisions and
entertainment sets are said to bring in yang energies, so keep them out of the
bedroom.
We
spend much of our time in the bedroom. It is estimated that people spend 45
minutes reading before going to sleep for six to eight hours.
Placing
your bed diagonally in the room is almost always the most suitable arrangement
according to fung shui principles. This is to avoid the clash of energy that can
come from having your head or feet face the doorway when you are in your
favorite sleeping position.
So
take the time to check your bed position and make changes if you must.
Clutter
not only prevents good energy from flowing, it will also block hallways and
small bedrooms. Clutter in general carries old, unwanted energies. So get rid of
them.
A
mirror in the bedroom is believed to cause relationship problems. This is not
true. But it could give you a fright.
Imagine
waking up in the middle of the night without a light and seeing yourself in the
mirror. The reflection might scare you. So never place a mirror directly facing
your bed.
Extremes
can destabilize. Too much space can make you feel insecure, especially if you
are alone; too little will make you feel congested and disrupt your sleep. A
good life begins with a good rest so make sure the right energies are in play in
the bedroom.
Choose
your seat well
Friday, October 30, 2009
Fung
shui is a valuable tool at the workplace. It helps increase sales, lift morale,
boost productivity and induce kind energies. It also increases self- esteem and
confidence and thus raises your success rate.
Your
seat should face the door
Since
we all need support, any opening from behind is deemed as a leakage or a
loophole interfering with that support. If the door is at the back of your seat,
you may find it difficult to have the support of your superiors and your work
may require constant corrections or amendments. If you do not have a choice in
where your seat faces, cover your chair with a yellow or brown shirt and place
eight white stones beneath your seat. Make sure they are arranged properly.
Behind
your seat is a mirror
This
is essentially the same as having the door at the back of your seat. The mirror
also serves as an absorbing tool to attract kind energies like water. But since
the mirror is just behind you, it will drain your energies. You will feel muscle
pains and become lethargic most of the time.
The
I-ching
The
I-ching is our everyday activities. Things are required to be systematic or in a
pattern to exist, and such behavior is documented in a proper manner. The sun
rises in the east and sets in the west. Summer is hot while winter is cold.
All
these can be explained by using ancient Chinese yin and yang and the five
elements - wood, fire, earth, metal and water. A practical fung shui master will
explain their findings in two ways - the theoretical and the practical parts.
There
may be times when you cannot see logic in the explanation, and your doubt is
acceptable.
But
there are no secrets in fung shui, only the inability to explain. Such ignorance
is hurting the promotion of the essence of fung shui, or Chinese metaphysics,
for that matter.
Thought
of the week: Obey your parents and respect your siblings, be careful with what
you say and honor your word.
A
delicate balance
Friday, October 23, 2009
It's
hardly surprising many career- minded women find it hard to strike a balance
between family and work. Fung shui can help bring harmony to the equation. Women
should note that modern living and designs are partly to blame due to the cool
and high-tech blend of colors and furniture settings. These colors and settings
may weaken the relationship or romance stars.
Avoid
unwarranted relationships
In
Period 8 (from 2004-2023), the sector that governs the relationship star is in
the west. Avoid placing an empty vase in your home's western section. Doing so
will lead to what the Chinese term as "wild" or "poisonous"
relationships.
Keep
your husband from straying
If
your husband is having an affair, examine and analyze the root of the problem.
To help prevent a triangular relationship from developing, place four bamboo
plants or other potted plants in western sections. Your choice may depend on
what is available or practical, but these items drain off the energy from the
relationship stars that can cause the problem.
Want
to start a new relationship?
If
you are alone and want to have more male friends or start dating, then your bed
or office desk should face the West. Additionally, place red or pink items there
to strengthen the relationship energies.
Want
to get married?
Of
course, you need to be dating or have a steady boyfriend in order to get to the
next stage - marriage! If you are eager to get hitched, try this: in the
northwest section of your home, place any pair of male and female dolls with red
or pink colors - Mickey and Minnie will do! You can also place a photo of you
and your boyfriend in a red or pink picture frame.
Family
planning
If
you are planning to have a baby, place green and red items in the northwest
sector of your home to strengthen the energy flow of the ninth star that governs
in such matters. But if you are trying, on the other hand, to avoid getting
pregnant, choose brown or yellow items to drain off the energies.
Fostering
better relationships at work
In
your workplace, you can place a small water plant or a cup of clean water in the
western section to help cultivate better relationships with colleagues. Doing so
will also decrease the chances of misunderstandings and office politics.
Bear
in mind that there is embedded in your date of births secret codes of
information about your romantic possibilities that you can use to enhance your
love life at a particular time and place.
Thought of the week: The first ones to suffer from our mistakes are our parents
Filial
Piety does not have to end at home
Friday, October 16, 2009
The
teachings of Tao often place great emphasis on individual values and virtues.
The gifted individual is often suitable to lead a family, an enterprise or a
country.
But
the true Taoist also has a filial respect for the elderly and, in a broader
context, the family, friends, the human race and even enemies. From that respect
springs virtues such as camaraderie, trustworthiness and justice.
Filial
love, of course, begins at home. This sentiment is fairly universal and cuts
across all cultural, philosophical and religious differences. The family harmony
fostered by a healthy sense of filial piety can serve as a social pillar and
even be a catalyst for a larger unity and a solution for modern ills such as a
mounting divorce, suicide and homicide rates.
But
that basic level of filial respect counts for little if one adopts a
confrontational or belligerent stance to everyone else outside the family.
The
inherent dangers of that approach demands that, in the interests of survival, an
enlightened individual understands the larger social conditions that made his
social position tenable and uphold the common interest.
When
an individual has learned to listen to a group that is larger than his family
and to uphold their common interests, he is ready to lead company, an
enterprise, a small community and the like.
But
one of the highest expressions of this piety is to a large community, a country.
One only needs to look around the world to see the consequences of part
isanship,
corruption and wicked rulers.
At
the other extreme is the example set by US President Barack Obama, who has tried
to mend fences between his nation and the Muslim world - which earned him a
Noble peace prize recently.
On
a smaller scale but no less significant are the philanthropic actions of
corporate leaders such as Li Ka-shing, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. Their
devotion to the larger good is the highest manifestation of filial piety to a
world that sustained them and made their success possible after all.
Fung
shui is about harnessing the benevolent energies and avoiding the malignant ones
to create harmony among family, community and country, thus being filial changes
your luck.
Thought
of the week: The inner heart should be devoted to our parents' will.
Accentuate
the positive
Friday, October 09, 2009
The
official Month of the Dog is from October 8 until November 6.
Trouble
stars Two and Five are located in the North sector. The combination, together
with Life Pillars Analysis, resulted in chaotic events such as the flu pandemic
and rioting in Urumqi.
If
your main door is facing north, place silver, blue or gold doormats to block the
malignant energies. Travel south to harness the benevolent energies.
Think
of One and Two.
One
of my calligraphy teachers recently wrote four words in Chinese, which when
translated into English mean "think of one and two."
To
understand its meaning, we first examine another common Chinese phrase, which in
English means: "Out of 10 events in the journey of life, you will encounter
eight or nine obstacles on a normal course."
"Think
of one and two" is an admonition to focus on positive factors in handling
predicaments.
For
a better understanding, we can relate this to the maxim "think of the glass
as half full rather than half empty." It may feel easier said than done,
but you won't feel the difference if you don't even try.
It
is true that things will always turn out right when you hit rock bottom. Keep
persisting. Learn to be a happy person. Love your family and care for your
friends. Reorganize your thinking and act positively, whenever possible.
Try
strengthening the relationships you have and you will come out a stronger and
much better person. In good times, prepare for the testing times and welcome
them when you come across them because the worst will soon be over.
Do
not ask me when things will turn around, just "think of one and two"!
Thought
of the week: Love people and associate with nice and kind people
Predicting
lifes journey
Friday, October 02, 2009
Chinese
metaphysics embraces five streams: mountain, medical, predictive, life and
cacial.
The
mountain stream is associated with geography and its practice includes Ham and
Yu, with the former relating to the sky, heaven or anything above the ground and
the latter to plateaus, hills, mountains and anything below ground. Ham also
involves astrology while Yu is linked to the energies which permeate our
environment.
Fung
shui developed as ancient metaphysicians strived to harness the multiple
energies of the environment and harmonize them with human life.
Traditional
Chinese healing practices, called Central Medical, involve a system of
integrated theories. This unique system, the main goal of which is disease
prevention, diagnoses patients through observation, inquiry and smell, and uses
herbs, acupuncture, massage, qigong and diet.
The
ancient Chinese used a variety of predictive systems to forecast the future.
Still in use today, these schools include Man Wong Gua, Miu Fa Yik Sou and Kei
Mun Tun Kap, and many more. They are used to determine auspicious or
inauspicious times for actions and events.
Such
predictive systems see the pattern of life's events as being shaped like a bell
curve and, as such, certain situations are bound to reoccur.
The
theory and practice of analyzing these repetitive patterns on life's path have
been passed from generation to generation for 4,000 years.
These
methods can help track an individual's life journey and identify patterns of
auspicious or inauspicious energies that may lead a person to make critical
decisions in life or face positive or negative situations at certain times.
Face
and palm reading, as well as aura and vocal energies, are also used to analyze a
person's current situation and predict their destiny. These unique techniques,
which demand the rare ability to read subtle energies, are still practiced
today.
Thought
of the day: Parents brought us up and there is no reason for us not to take care
of them when they're old.
As featured in Hong Kong Standard Newspaper every Friday
E-mail address of Mr. Kerby Kuek : [email protected]
Website:www.misterfengshui.com